Will a Lilly pilly cascade hedge grow well surrounded by grass?

[gene]

Hi , is it necessary to have an edged bed for lilly pillys to grow in so grass doesn't surround them or is it ok just to let the grass grow over where I have improved the soil and added mulch? I've read that grass will take water and nutrients from the soil and the lilly pillys won't grow as well , is this true? Or can I just let the grass grow as part of the lawn in between the lilly pillys and around them, will they grow just as well and be as healthy? 

[EricL]

Hello @gene 

If the grass is overwhelming the lilly pilly then it would be better to have an edged bed to prevent grass and weeds from growing near it. The grass, weeds and any other plant that might be growing near the lilly pilly will definitely compete for the resources that are in the soil. Another way to minimize the growth of weed near the lilly pilly is to use weed mat near the base of the plant and then put mulch over it. Just remember to keep the weed mat about 200mm away from the trunk of the lilly pilly. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[gene]

Is this a chat gpt generated answer? Or an answer from a real person knowledgeable about gardening?

[MitchellMc]

There are no chatbots here, @gene. @EricL, @JacobZ and I answer all the community questions, and I can verify that we're very much real. 

I concur with @EricL that it would be best to install an edging to define the limits of your lawn and where the hedge is. Apart from the nutrient issue, which might impact the hedge, it's easier to get a neat look and trim the grass. If you need assistance selecting an appropriate edging, check out this helpful guide: How to choose garden edging.

However, if you like the look of having the grass come right up the base of the hedge, then by all means, allow that to happen. I don't believe you'll see any adverse health effects on your Lilly pilly hedge, but let me tag our resident horticulturist, @Noelle, to see if she has any thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Noelle]

Hi @gene 

Grass/lawn growing up to and under the lilly pillies will compete for moisture and nutrients while the hedge is young but hopefully the lilly pillies will develop much deeper root systems over time. Make sure the hedge receives deep watering at least weekly if there's no rain.

Over time, the height of the hedge may impact on nearby lawn by throwing shade on it for several hours a day. This may leave the grass looking sparse.

The idea of an edging to keep the lawn away from under the hedge may minimise this and will also give the garden a neater, more formal appearance.